plate no. 0794
Landscape
some experience helpful
This painting is great for learning about atmospheric perspective and how to create depth using color and value changes. Students can practice blending techniques to achieve smooth transitions between colors.
technical profile
palette complexity
3
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
3
compositional simplicity
4
study guide
est. 8 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes of the mountains and the valley, paying attention to perspective.
- step 02
Block in the sky with a light blue, blending it smoothly towards the horizon.
- step 03
Apply a base coat of light tan/beige to the valley floor.
- step 04
Begin layering in the darker blues and purples on the mountains, focusing on the shadows.
- step 05
Add highlights to the mountains using a lighter beige or yellow.
- step 06
Refine the details of the valley floor, adding subtle variations in color and value.
- step 07
Paint the distant mountains with a lighter, more muted blue to create atmospheric perspective.
- step 08
Add the road detail in the valley.
color palette
primary · ultramarine blue · raw umber · titanium white
secondary · yellow ochre · burnt sienna
Mix blues with raw umber and white for the mountain shadows. Use yellow ochre and white for the highlights in the valley. Add a touch of burnt sienna to warm up the beige tones.
techniques
- ·blending
- ·layering
- ·atmospheric perspective
- ·color mixing
common pitfalls
- →Overworking the blending, resulting in a muddy appearance.
- →Not paying attention to the perspective of the mountains and valley.
- →Using too much pure blue without mixing in warmer tones.
- →Ignoring the subtle color variations in the valley floor.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas 16x20
- ·acrylic or oil paints
- ·round brushes (small, medium)
- ·flat brushes (medium)
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·linseed oil (if using oils)
- ·odorless mineral spirits (for cleaning)
optional
- ·painting medium
- ·easel
- ·rags
Use a limited palette to simplify the color mixing process. Consider using a toned canvas to create a more unified color scheme.
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